Understanding Food Insecurity
Food insecurity means it’s hard to consistently get adequate food: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for one’s wellbeing.
Food insecurity is not your fault: At Middle Way House, we recognize that food insecurity is a complex issue, and that those experiencing food insecurity are not to blame. Many people and families are forced to choose between buying food and paying for bills or other necessities. Many people and families are also are forced away from consistent, adequate food options because of structural racism, lack of affordable housing, unemployment, homelessness, lack of disability support, sexual and gender discrimination, and lack of physical access or social isolation, among other factors.
Food insecurity is connected to and influenced by multiple factors: Food insecurity does not exist in isolation. Families are affected by multiple, overlapping issues like lack of affordable housing, social isolation, economic/social disadvantage resulting from structural racism, chronic or acute health problems, high medical costs, and unfair wages.
To find out more about food insecurity, read:
Hunger and Health, understanding food insecurity: https://hungerandhealth.feedingamerica.org/understand-food-insecurity/
Feeding America, food insecurity and its effects : https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/food-insecurity
Healthcare Value Hub research brief: https://www.healthcarevaluehub.org/advocate-resources/publications/social-determinants-health-food-insecurity-united-states
Food Insecurity in Bloomington
Many people in Bloomington deal with food insecurity: 1 in 10 Bloomington residents cannot access the foods they need, and over 45% of Bloomington residents say they need better access to at least one type of food.
Major barriers to food access exist in Bloomington: the top five food access barriers experienced by Bloomington residents are, in order of prevalence: high food prices (40.9%), time to prepare and cook food (31.5%), low wages (27.6%), housing costs (24.3%), and limited transportation (10.7%). Underemployment, limited food pantry hours, loss or lack of benefits, not knowing where to get assistance, disability, and judgment from others also make getting food more difficult.
To find out more about food insecurity in Bloomington, read:
Bloomington Food Access Report: https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/2021%20Bloomington%20Food%20Access%20Report_IU%20Critical%20Food%20Studies%20Lab.pdf
To find food pantries and meal sites close to you, reach out to Indiana 211: Visit https://in211.communityos.org to find resources online, or dial 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966 to speak with a community navigator (https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/food-assistance-availability-map/). Or, visit Middle Way House’s Food Resource Page for pantries, carry-out meals, sit-down meals, and elder food services.
SNAP benefits
SNAP benefits are used to purchase food: SNAP benefits refers to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income individuals and families that are used at stores to purchase food. The program is administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) through its nationwide network of FNS field offices. Local FNS field offices are responsible for the licensing and monitoring of retail food stores participating in SNAP.
Ways to apply for SNAP:
Apply online: https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/#/
Request a mailed application: https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/#/mailPrint/mailApplication
Print an application: https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/#/mailPrint/printApplication
SNAP has certain eligibility requirements: To qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, applicants must meet certain non-financial and financial requirements. Non-financial requirements include state residency, citizenship/alien status, work registration and cooperation with the IMPACT (job training) program. Financial criteria include income and asset limits.The asset/resource limits are $5,000 for most households. Assets include bank accounts, cash, real estate, personal property, vehicles, etc. The household’s home and surrounding lot, household goods and personal belongings and life insurance policies are not counted as assets in the SNAP program. All households (except those with elderly or disabled members) must pass a gross income test (130% of poverty) to qualify for SNAP benefits. The gross income is per household size and based on the gross monthly income received by all household members.
To find out more about SNAP eligibility and benefits, read:
SNAP Eligibility check: https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/#/eligibility/eligibility-home
Recent changes to SNAP benefits, active October 1, 2021: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/foodstamps/documents/snap-changes-october-2021.pdf
Eligibility and benefits: https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/a-quick-guide-to-snap-eligibility-and-benefits
SNAP benefits are used similarly to debit cards: Indiana uses an Electronic Benefits Transfer system to distribute SNAP benefits. Benefits are accessed with a plastic Hoosier Works card. The card replaced paper coupons. The Hoosier Works EBT card is similar to commercial debit and ATM cards; it has a unique 16-digit account number, a magnetic strip on the back and only works with a four-digit Personal Identification Number selected by the participant.
Check your SNAP balance here: https://www.connectebt.com
SNAP benefits can be used for:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
- Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
- Foods that are hot at the point of sale
- Any nonfood items such as: pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies, or hygiene items/cosmetics
Some stores in Indiana are accepting SNAP benefits online, including:
- ALDI
- Amazon
- Schnuck’s Market
- Strack and Van Til
- Town and Country
- Van Til’s Supermarket
- Walmart
For more information on SNAP and online purchasing, visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/online-purchasing-pilot
At Middle Way House, we believe that our community deserves free, equitable access to quality food. Below are a variety of food resources: carry-out meals, food pantries, elder services, sit-down meals, and seasonal services. These resources are divided by category and listed alphabetically. Listed hours are current as of 1/24/22. Bus lines are added where applicable (bus route information received from: https://www.iubism.org/covid19/covid04-food.pdf)
Carry-out meals
Community Kitchen Express: https://www.monroecommunitykitchen.com/meal-service#express-location
Location: 1100 W 11th St, Bloomington IN
Reachable by bus line 2
Contact information: 812-332-0999
Hours: Mon-Sat 4-6
Healing Hands, City Church of Bloomington: https://citychurchbloomington.org/get-involved/outreach/
Location: 1917 S Walnut
Hours: M-TR, 11:00-3:00
Contact: 812-272-2515
***Healing Hands currently offers carry-out ready to make meals, please call ahead for an appointment
Food pantries:
Bloomington Township Trustee: http://www.bloomingtontownship.in.gov/food-pantry/
Location: 924 W 17th St Suite C, Bloomington, IN 47404
Reachable by bus line 2
Hours: Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 11:00-3:00
Contact: 812-336-4976
***Households may pick up food once every seven days, curbside delivery only
College Square Food Pantry: https://networks.whyhunger.org/organisation/34260
Location: 3100 S Walnut St Pike, Bloomington
Contact: 812-332-3695
Hours: Third Friday of each month at 3 pm
***Please call ahead for updated hours. Hours are subject to change at this time
Crestmont Community Food Pantry/Bloomington Housing Authority: https://www.findhelp.org/bloomington-housing-authority-%2528bha%2529–bloomington-in–crestmont-community-food-pantry/6256177741299712?postal=47408&ref=ab_redirect
Location: 1007 N Summitt, Bloomington IN
Reachable by bus line 2
Hours: Thursdays, 3:00-4:30
Contact: 812-339-3941
First United Methodist Church: https://www.fumcb.org/wednesday-food-pantry
Location: 219 E 4th St, Bloomington, IN 47408 (pantry entrance on Washington street, left of the main steps)
Reachable by bus lines 1,3,4, 5
Hours: Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30
Contact: 812-332-6396
Genesis Church Food Pantry: https://www.findhelp.org/provider/genesis-church–bloomington-in/6039282851250176?postal=47404
Location: 801 E St Rd 45/46 Bypass, Bloomington
Hours: please call for an appointment
Contact: 812-336-5757
Highland Faith Assembly of God Food Pantry: https://www.findhelp.org/provider/highland-faith-assembly-of-god-church–bloomington-in/6746441073819648?postal=47408
Location: 4782 W State Road 48
Reachable by bus line 3
Hours: M-F 9 am-1 pm
Contact: 812-332-3707
Hoosier Hills Food Bank: http://www.hhfoodbank.org/find-food/
Location: 2333 West Industrial Park Drive
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-5:00
Contact information:
Phone: (812) 334-8374
Email:hhfb@hhfoodbank.org
MCUM-Self Sufficiency Food Pantry: www.mcum.org
Location: 827 W 14th Ct
Reachable by bus line 2
Hours: M, TR, F from 12:00-5:00, Tuesday 12:00-7:00
***Online ordering is available: https://form.jotform.com/211617198424053
Contact information: 812-339-3429
Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard: https://www.mhcfoodpantry.org
Location: 1100 W Allen St, Bloomington, IN 47403
Reachable by bus line 2
Hours: T-TR, 12:00-2:00 and 4:00-6:00
Contact: (812) 339-5887
Pantry 279: https://pantry279.org
Location: 501 E Temperance St, Elletsville IN 47429
Hours: M-W 3-6, Sat 2-4
Contact: 812-606-1524
***Drive-thru only, please remain in vehicle for service
***As of January 29, 2022, Saturday hours will temporarily change to 1-4. Weekday hours will remain the same
Perry Township Trustee, Bobby’s Pantry: https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/shelter/in_perry-township-trustee-food-pantry
Location: 1010 S Walnut St
Reachable by bus lines 1 and 7
Hours: M-F 9:00-2:45
Contact: 812-336-3713
***Please call ahead for updated hours. Hours are subject to change at this time
Redeemer Community Church Food Pantry: https://www.findhelp.org/provider/redeemer-community-church–bloomington-in/4958097580490752?postal=47401
Location: 111 S Kimble Rd
Hours: T and TR 2-4, or call for an appointment
Contact: 812-269-8975
Salvation Army of Bloomington: http://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/bloomingtonIN/
Location: 111 N Rogers
Reachable by bus line 3
Hours: W/F 9:00-11:30 and T/TR 1:00-3:30
Contact information: 812-336-4310
Second Baptist Church: https://www.freefood.org/l/feed-the-needy-second-baptist-church
Location: 321 N Rogers St
Reachable by bus line 2
Hours: M, T, TR, F: 10:00-noon
Contact information: 812-336-5827
Souls Matter Food Pantry: https://www.facebook.com/soulsmatterchurch/
Location: 3372 E Moffet Ln
Hours: First Sunday of each month, noon-1:00, or call for appointment
Contact: 812-325-4309
Tabitha’s Storehouse: https://www.findhelp.org/provider/highland-village-church-%2528hvc%2529–bloomington-in/6185391598862336?postal=47401 or https://hvchurch.info
Location: 421 S Curry Pike
Reachable by bus line 3
Hours: Hours: last Thursday of each month, 10:00-2:00
Contact: 812-336-7224
Walnut Grove Food Pantry: https://www.findhelp.org/unitarian-universalist-church-of-bloomington–bloomington-in–walnut-grove-food-pantry/6300346633420800?postal=47408&ref=ab_redirect
Location: 3100 S Walnut St Pike
Reachable by bus line 1
Hours: Fridays, 3:45-5:00
***New hours beginning February 2022: 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, please call ahead for updated hours
Contact: 812-339-3980
Elder services
Area 10 Agency on Aging Food Pantry: https://area10agency.org/nutrition/foodpantry/
Mode: monthly delivery
Contact: (812) 876-3383 ext. 535 or rball@area10agency.org
Hours:
Eligibility: ages 60 and over, must be income ineligible, must not drive and must not live with someone who drives
***The Area 10 Agency on Aging Food Pantry is also able to provide food for companion animals (dogs or cats only)
Sit-down meals
Community Kitchen Monroe County: https://www.monroecommunitykitchen.com
Location: 1515 S Rogers, Bloomington IN
Reachable by bus line 2
Contact information: 812-332-0999
Hours: M-Sat 4:00-6:00
***Cold carryout meals are also available
Shalom Community Center: https://beaconinc.org
Location: 620 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47401
Reachable by bus lines 1 and 7
Hours: Daily from 8:00-9:00 and noon-1:30
Contact: (812) 332-8514
Wheeler Mission: https://wheelermission.org/our-work/bloomington/
Location: 215 S Westplex Ave, Wheeler Mission Center for Men cafeteria
Reachable by bus line 3
Hours:
Breakfast: 6:00-7:00
Lunch: 12:00-1:00
Dinner: 5:00-6:00
Contact: 812-333-1905
Seasonal services
Community Kitchen Summer Food Service Program
Location: Country View, Walnut Woods, Henderson Court, Crestmont, The Reserve at Chandler’s Glen, Southcrest Manor, Orchard Glen, Canterbury House, Cedar Chase and Trail View
Hours: Monday – Friday from the day after school dismisses until the day before it begins again
Contact:
Phone: (812) 332-0999
Email: director@monroecommunitykitchen.com
***To apply for free/reduced price meals for children application during the academic year: Contact the MCCSC Food Service Office at 812 349 4762, 560 E Miller Drive or https://mccscschoolmenus.com